City Of Richland Transportation System Plan (TSP) Open House (Photo) - 06/17/26

The City of Richland is nearing completion of a new City-wide Transportation System Plan (TSP), a key component of the Comprehensive Plan update under the 2025–2026 “Future in Focus” initiative.  When finalized, the TSP will align with Richland’s long-term goals and capital improvement priorities, guiding future infrastructure investments and enhancing mobility throughout the city.

The update process began with the formation of a Steering Committee made up of technical representatives from the City of Richland Public Works, Development Services, and Parks & Public Facilities Departments, Ben Franklin Transit, Port of Benton, Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Bike Tri-Cities, and Washington State Department of Transportation. Representatives from several of these stakeholder groups will be present at the Open House to talk about transportation projects and answer questions.

Transpo Group, the consulting firm supporting the City, has conducted transportation modeling and completed technical analysis.  Additionally, an online community survey conducted in the spring gathered nearly 350 responses.

Continued community input on transportation remains essential. The TSP will serve as a blueprint for a safer, more connected, and more efficient transportation system for all.

The City of Richland invites the public and interested parties to attend an Open House to review project materials with a focus on a proposed Future Projects List.

The open house will take place on Thursday June 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Richland Fire Station 76 located at Badger Mountain South, at 4307 Trowbridge Boulevard.

Event Details

City of Richland Transportation System Plan (TSP) Open House

Thursday, June 25, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Richland Fire Station No. 76
4307 Trowbridge Boulevard

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov/TSP or contact the City's Public Works Department at 509-942-7500.

City Of Richland 2027 Funding Opportunities Open House (Photo) - 06/10/26

The City of Richland invites businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, property owners, and event organizers to attend a free Funding Opportunities Open House on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to learn about City-administered grant and funding programs available for 2027.

The open house will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, located at 955 Northgate Drive.

The event will provide information about funding opportunities that support local businesses, tourism promotion, community services, economic development, and recreational enhancements throughout Richland. City staff will be available to answer questions about eligibility requirements, application timelines, and strategies for preparing strong applications.

Funding programs highlighted at the event include:

• Business License Reserve Fund – Support services that assist Richland businesses and entrepreneurs
• Commercial Façade Improvement Program – Grants for exterior building improvements that enhance commercial properties and help prevent blight
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Funding for public facilities and public service projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents
• Lodging Tax Grant Program – Funding for tourism promotion and tourism-related facilities
• Parks Partnership Program – Support for collaborative projects that enhance parks, trails, recreation amenities, public gathering spaces, and community recreational experiences

"The Funding Opportunities Open House is designed to help organizations understand the resources available to them and prepare for upcoming application cycles," said Mandy Wallner, Economic Development Manager for the City of Richland. "Whether you're a business owner, nonprofit leader, community partner, or event organizer, this is an opportunity to connect with staff, ask questions, and learn how these programs can help bring projects and ideas to life."

Applications for various programs will open between July and October 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the open house to gain valuable insight before application periods begin.

Event Details

City of Richland 2027 Funding Opportunities Open House

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Richland Public Library
955 Northgate Drive

For more information, visit richlandbusiness.com/programs or contact the City's Economic Development Office at (509) 942-7725 or info@richlandbusiness.com.

City Of Richland To Open George Prout Pool For Summer Season - 06/10/26

Summer officially makes a splash in Richland on Saturday, June 13, when George Prout Pool opens for the 2026 season.

Located at 1005 Swift Boulevard, George Prout Pool offers a variety of aquatic opportunities for residents of all ages, including recreational swim, lap swim, swim lessons, summer swim team, and special events throughout the season.

"George Prout Pool has been a summertime tradition for generations of Richland families," said Parks & Public Facilities Director Chris Waite. "We're excited to welcome residents back for another season of fun, fitness, and making memories in the water."

In addition to daily swimming opportunities, the pool offers:

• Swim lessons for all skill levels
• Lap swimming
• Summer swim team opportunities
• Diving boards and recreational swimming areas
• Lifeguard Certification Courses
• Private pool rentals for parties and special events

Residents are encouraged to register early for swim lessons and aquatic programs, as many sessions fill quickly.

Additional opportunities to stay cool this summer include the Badger Mountain Splash Pad, Howard Amon Wading Pool, and Richland's designated river swim beach areas.

Pool schedules, admission information, program registration, and rental details are available at www.richlandparksandrec.com/Aquatics.

For questions regarding aquatic programs, contact Richland Parks & Recreation at 509-942-7529.

Richland Public Library Launches 2026 Summer Reading Challenge (Photo) - 06/10/26

The Richland Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to embark on a summer of discovery, imagination, and adventure with the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, "75 Chapters & Beyond."

The challenge runs from June 10 through August 23 and celebrates the Richland Public Library's 75th anniversary by honoring the stories that have shaped our community while inspiring readers to explore new stories and possibilities for the future.

Open to children, teens, and adults, the Summer Reading Challenge encourages participants to keep reading throughout the summer months while enjoying library programs, activities, and special events designed to engage learners of every age.

"Summer reading helps prevent learning loss, encourages lifelong literacy, and creates opportunities for families to connect through reading," said Library Manager Chris Nulph. "As we celebrate 75 years of service to our community, we're excited to invite residents to be part of the next chapter of the Richland Public Library."

Participants can register online or in person at the Richland Public Library. Readers will be able to track their progress, earn prizes, and participate in activities and events throughout the summer.

The 2026 theme, "75 Chapters & Beyond," reflects both the library's rich history and its continued commitment to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and learning for generations to come.

For more information, to register, or to view the full schedule of summer programs and events, visit myrichlandlibrary.org.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Temporary Lane Closures Planned Tuesday 6/9 At South George Washington Way And Aaron Drive - 06/08/26

Motorists should plan for temporary lane closures on Tuesday, June 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as crews complete some of the final work on the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

The northbound left-turn lane from George Washington Way onto Aaron Drive and the southbound far-left (center) lane on George Washington Way will be closed while crews install curb improvements and complete pavement marking work.

Aaron Drive will remain open; however, northbound motorists wishing to access Aaron Drive will need to follow a signed detour via Comstock Street and Goethals Drive.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, expect minor delays, and use caution in the work zone.

Temporary Lane Closures Planned At South George Washington Way And Aaron Drive Intersection - 06/01/26

Motorists are advised of upcoming temporary lane closures at the South George Washington Way and Aaron Drive intersection as work nears completion on the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the project contractor, Ellison Earthworks, will close the northbound left-turn lane from George Washington Way onto Aaron Drive, as well as the southbound far-left (center) lane on George Washington Way.

The closures are necessary to allow crews to complete grinding, paving, curb installation, and pavement marking work.

Traffic control setup will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day, with construction activities starting at approximately 9:00 a.m.

Aaron Drive will remain open during the work; however, motorists traveling northbound on George Washington Way who wish to access Aaron Drive will need to follow a signed detour route using Comstock Street and Goethals Drive.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, expect minor delays, and use caution when traveling through the work zone.

The South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project is designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in the area.

The City appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as these improvements are completed.

City Of Richland To Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing June 2–3 As Part Of Water System Plan Update - 06/01/26

Don't be alarmed if you see water flowing from fire hydrants across Richland on June 2–3. It's part of planned testing to help update the City's Water System Plan.

You may notice City water crews and engineering consultants working throughout Richland on June 2 and 3 as part of the City's ongoing Water System Plan update.

The City is partnering with RH2 Engineering to conduct fire hydrant flushing and hydraulic monitoring at more than 30 locations across the community between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. both days.

During testing, crews will flush two fire hydrants at a time using a specialized device called a "hose monster," which measures water flow and system performance. Residents may see large volumes of water being discharged from hydrants during the testing process. While it may appear unusual, this is expected and is an important part of evaluating the City's water distribution system. Most testing at each location will last five minutes or less.

To protect the environment, dechlorination screens will be used to remove chlorine from the water before it enters the stormwater system.

Some residents may notice temporary fluctuations in water pressure while testing is underway. In some areas, the testing may also cause temporary water discoloration as naturally occurring mineral sediment within water mains becomes disturbed. The water remains safe to use and drink; however, customers who experience discoloration are encouraged to first run the cold water in their bathtub until the water clears. Once clear, run cold water faucets as needed. This process helps flush sediment from the service line and reduces the chance of debris collecting in faucet aerators. If debris does become trapped in an aerator screen, removing and rinsing the aerator may help restore normal water flow.

City staff and RH2 Engineering representatives will be on site throughout the process to monitor conditions and minimize impacts.

This work helps engineers better understand how water moves through our system and ensures Richland can continue providing reliable water service and fire protection as our community grows.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work.

Life-Saving AED SaveStation To Be Installed At Badger Mountain Community Park - 05/26/26

The City of Richland and Richland Fire & Emergency Services will unveil a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) SaveStation at Badger Mountain Community Park (350 Keene Road) on Monday, June 1, 2026, further expanding public access to life-saving emergency equipment throughout the community. This will be the seventh unit placed in Richland. 

The SaveStation will be located near the park’s central amenities area, providing convenient access for park visitors, sports participants, walkers, and families enjoying the community park. A brief unveiling ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the installation site.

AED SaveStations provide immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator during a cardiac emergency, when every second matters. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and prompt CPR and AED use significantly improve survival rates.

Key features of the AED SaveStation include:

• 24/7 Accessibility: The unit is available around the clock, ensuring immediate access during emergencies.
• Temperature Control: Built-in climate controls help protect the AED and maintain operational readiness year-round.
• Alarm System: Opening the unit activates an alarm to draw attention to the emergency and alert nearby individuals.
• GPS Monitoring: The SaveStation is equipped with GPS technology that supports monitoring and helps emergency responders locate the device quickly.
• User-Friendly Instructions: Clear visual and voice-guided instructions assist users through the AED process, even without prior training.

The installation supports the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and aligns with HeartSafe Richland, a community initiative focused on improving survival outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest through public education, Hands-Only CPR training, and increased access to AEDs.

"Having AEDs readily available in our parks and public spaces can make the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency," said Richland Fire & Emergency Services Chief Randy Aust. "This SaveStation helps ensure that residents and visitors have access to life-saving equipment when and where it is needed most."

The Badger Mountain Community Park installation expands Richland’s growing network of publicly accessible SaveStations, helping create a safer and more prepared community.

For more information about HeartSafe Richland, Hands-Only CPR training, or AED awareness, visit heartsaferichland.com.

City Of Richland Facility Closures In Observance Of Memorial Day - 05/18/26

All City of Richland facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

This includes:

• Richland City Hall
• Richland Public Library
• Richland Community Center
• Richland City Shops
• Horn Rapids Landfill

Emergency services will remain available. Residents are encouraged to plan for any City business prior to the holiday closure.

Garbage and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged during the holiday week.

City facilities are expected to reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

For more information, visit www.richlandwa.gov.